Vermont State Parks

  The view from the Mt. Philo Overlook. - Raven Schwan-Noble The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is seeking public feedback on the potential designs to enhance Mt. Philo State Park . The intent of the planning process is to update the park to meet current visitor needs, while protecting the environment, enhancing historic and cultural resources and making needed safety improvements.   Mt. Philo is Vermont’s first State Park, as well as its most popular. With over 40,000 visitors every year, several issues have become apparent in the park. A full design plan was deemed necessary to ensure the park is accessible and safe for all users, while serving as a sustainable, natural, and recreational resource for generations to come.  After nearly a decade of work and with substantial public input, the long-range management plan (LRMP) for Mt. Philo State Park identified the need of enhancement plans to address parking and trail improvements in response to...

  The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) today announced that long-time State Parks Director Craig Whipple is retiring. “Under Craig’s leadership, our world-class state park system has expanded, modernized, and become more accessible,” said Michael Snyder, Commissioner of Vermont Forests, Parks, and Recreation, the department that oversees Vermont State Parks. “And even as Craig leaves behind such enormous running shoes to fill, we’re looking ahead to the next generation of leadership to build on Craig’s successes, and we’ll soon be announcing an active recruitment process to fill the position. On behalf of our department, our employees and volunteers, and all Vermonters and visitors who value our state parks, I thank Craig for his many years of outstanding service and congratulate him on a retirement well earned.” During his 14 years as Director of State Parks, Whipple was instrumental in creating many programs that have increased access to the parks, includi...

Please don't travel until it's safe to do so! Our travel posts are great for making future plans or dreaming about your next escape. Learn more about  Vermont State Parks and COVID-19 . Is your favorite outdoor space too busy with people for your comfort right now? Then take a hike back in time by visiting Amity Pond State Park in Pomfret, Vermont. Amity Pond is a park you may not know, and neither have all those other people crowding your favorite trailhead.  Rolling hills in Pomfret, Vermont Part of the enjoyment of visiting this park is your journey of arrival. This out of the way place is nestled in the rolling pastural hills of picturesque Pomfret. Vermont’s most photographed homestead, Sleepy Hollow Farm , brings hundreds of photographers to Pomfret in every beautiful Vermont season.  Pomfret is the quintessential rolling agricultural hills and historic homes that make up what we call the very best in Vermont. I was lucky enough to live in Pomfret on Galaxy Hill Ro...

Please don't travel until it's safe to do so! Our travel posts are great for making future plans or dreaming about your next escape. Learn more about  Vermont State Parks and COVID-19 . Breathtaking mountain views, hidden swimming holes, a meandering rail trail, and one of the prettiest waterfalls in the whole state. Welcome to Jamaica State Park in Vermont! This gem of a park is tucked away next to a rustic mountain village of the same name. It’s not the Caribbean, but it’s as welcoming a place as you’ll ever find in the Green Mountains.